So. I was writing something and Stew singing “Love like That” came on the stereo.

It’s one of those poignant songs which would be imperfect sung by anyone else. The song made me think what would be the five songs I would put under one of those thoughtful couple moments in a TV show or movie when the couple is at one of “those moments”.

You know these moments. They kind of crack open what was and let’s what will be out.

They are that perfect romantic song which increases its perfectness when it is heard over one of those special moments in a TV show or movie (you know pretty much every movie John Cusack has ever been in when he realizes the girl is his). For example, when John Cusak and KateBeckinsale meet at the end of Serendipity (Nick Drake’s Northern Sky is awesome in the scene).

All that said. The songs I am going to suggest are pretty much below the radar. Certainly not top 40. But used in a TV show or movie? Amazing. And really really nice when you bring it home. These would be the six I wish someone would use and are nice to listen to on valentine’s day:

Stew is a big guy who has an interesting voice and has written some really eclectic odd stuff but also some really nice stuff. He sings along with a little woman who harmonizes with him perfectly. Love like That is awesome. You never get tired of listening to it.

If ever a song was written that matched a voice style this is it. “I love you more than I should” is an opening line that is delivered in a way that puts you in a mental space where you know exactly the time and the place you yourself were ‘there.’

The majority of Jann Arden’ stuff is pretty ordinary. With this song she captures the true essence of someone asking for some patience with their flaws. I am not sure I have ever heard a better song than this one with this message.This was used on the TV show Felicity perfectly.

Someone could do an entire scene over the entire song. It is about letting someone ‘free’ and loving them so much you promise them to be there no matter what. The guy’s voice has this fragile strength to it that makes the song fearful and fearless at exactly the same time. Beautiful song. Bluegrass has never sounded better.

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5. Well. This is actually the “heartache” love song trio because I couldn’t pick just one. They are almost interchangeable in their sound and the beautiful twinge of heartache and longing.

Over the Rhine’s music is all over the place. They don’t really seem to write that many love ballads. Latter Days is sadly emotionally crafted. It captures the emptiness felt when someone who you love is not there. And the simple beauty when they are there. “I love the way that you dance …” … perfect.

Her voice is perfect for the song. It’s one of those songs I cannot envision anyone else singing.

It took me forever listening to this song to understand they were saying ‘displaced.’ Doesn’t matter. The opening of the song sung by Maria Taylor I believe is fragile in its words and fragile in her voice style. This song seems to dip right into real life and explain unexplained feelings.

The songwriter, and singer, Peter Bradley Adams only did one cd as eastmountainsouth and then he did a solo cd. Doesn’t matter. His best songs are always a duet with a woman. You Dance is impeccably written. Heartfelt without being sappy and you almost feel like you have stepped into the middle of a couple’s sincere thoughts for each other. Like I said earlier it should be used for any wedding.